Out of bounds in Irving: Don't make fans pay for ... whatever

Dallas Morning News | Editorials:

“The very intent of milking more money from fans before the Cowboys leave Texas Stadium for Arlington in three years smacks of opportunism – especially since the city doesn't have a specific project on the drawing board.”

Ed Cognoski responds:

Sure, it's opportunism. The DMN spits the word out like opportunism is something bad. Smart businessmen take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. Smart city fathers should do the same.

What does the DMN want Irving to do instead? Wait until the Cowboys decamp for Arlington and then try to collect taxes to tear down the aging hulk of a stadium they leave abandoned? Or commit to some redevelopment plan three years in advance, ignoring the fact that the economic climate and the city's needs might change in the meantime? Ridiculous.

No, Irving is doing the responsible thing. Charge the people who enjoy Texas Stadium today the costs of removing it after they leave. It's no different than charging a use fee of any promoter who wants to use a public venue for a commercial event. You don't wait for the promoter and his guests to leave before thinking of asking them to pay something to clean up the mess they leave behind.